cat cut design question

[bobwhite]

What is the advantage to the cat cut design of a tarp?

[gmcttr]

The cat cut edges are intended to insure a taut pitch and help to prevent having loose edges that can flutter in the wind.

[SmokeHouse]

I normally cat cut the ridgeline about 5" on an 11' tarp and the bottom as well... makes it taunt...

[MAD777]

The cat cut edges are intended to insure a taut pitch and help to prevent having loose edges that can flutter in the wind.

+1 on this.

[canoebie]

While it does make a difference, I have used rectangular tarps with great success. Don't let a cat cut intimidate you from making a tarp. Start with a straight edge if it helps, move to the CC later.

[MBennett]

While it does make a difference, I have used rectangular tarps with great success. Don't let a cat cut intimidate you from making a tarp. Start with a straight edge if it helps, move to the CC later.

Absolutely. rectangular tarps are just as effective. The reason the shape of a cat cut is so effective for making tarps taught is the fact that when tension is put on the corners, the force between tie outs is not in a straight line as it would a normal rectangular tarp. Instead the curve becomes the line of tension and tries to "straighten" the curve when the corners are pulled tight, thus pulling the fabric evenly across the entire surface of the tarp. This is the best explanation I know...
Simply put, it's SCIENCE! or physics...